Typically, the path for a retirement administrator to become NASRA president begins by being elected by his or her region (see map) and serving one, or more, two-year terms as a regional vice president. Then he or she is elected by the full membership to one-year terms as second vice president, first vice president, and president-elect, respectively.

Elected in 1956, W. Frank DeLamar was NASRA's first president. Mr. DeLamar was also the inaugural director of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia, which was created by act of the 1949 General Assembly.